Darwin & Jefferson

Today's musical score = "Country Roads" by John Denver

Today's favorite sign:

The Cat House
gifts for cat lovers



And now for The Turn! Saturday, we headed out of Kingsport, TN and turned north on good ol' Rte. 81.



Just before our arrival in Charlottesville, VA, we were headed east on Rte. 64, the driver aware of surrounding traffic and some "bubble" lights up ahead. Watch that speed -- NO! WATCH THAT DEER! Yup -- Jane Doe decided to leap over the right-hand guard rail. We had nowhere to go to avoid her. She popped off the right bumper. Both she and a plastic wheel well piece were left in the dust of the right-hand shoulder. We pulled over to inspect the damage, but we were very fortunate. Just the small plastic bumper below the headlight and signal light was damaged. Guess it was Darwinian for the doe -- hope it was also instantaneous. Needless to say, we both ate salads last night, avoiding anything which resembled venison.

On Sunday -- someone's birthday, by the way -- we visited Monticello ("little mountain"), the home of Thomas Jefferson, a very forward-thinking gentleman. His "farm" consisted of 5000 acres, but was sold off after his death to pay off his debts. (Hope it wasn't one of those "interest only" loans.) Fortunately, the Levys preserved much of the history before it eventually became a public museum. What a gorgeous day out there with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. A golden light hit the multi-colored leaves which survived thus far into the Fall. The temperature must have been 70 degrees or so -- just right for us former southern Californians. The inventions which Jefferson adapted and incorporated into his home are very interesting -- including a device which allowed him to make two copies of anything he penned. Since I'm still unable to upload photos, try visiting www.monticello.org to learn more. -- Now, I sound like a commercial!

We also stopped in the Historic Downtown section of Charlottesville where some people were relaxing or imbibing on the promenade. Overall, it seemed very quiet and many shops were closed.

Today's eateries: Aunt Sarah's Pancake House (we'll give this 1 thumb up)
tonight we plan on trying Topeka's for dinner

Observation: we may be back in an area which is not totally smoke-free in its restaurants. We have become used to that from living in California and did not realize the legislation may not have migrated to all other states.

Tomorrow's destination and final stop = Columbia, MD where one of us will be signing up for new employment. However, nothing is final until the ink is dry -- if then -- so there may be another u-turn. You never know.